Signs of Hardeeville’s branding initiative are starting pop up throughout the city. The most recent example is the water tower off Interstate 95.

“You can see the new branding on the water tower off of I-95 near Exit 5,” said City Councilman Scott Ready. “We’re all excited that we’re able to see these changes.”

The water tower was chosen as an ideal place to display the city’s new logo, as the Beaufort Jasper Water and Sewer Authority was already repainting their tank. Hardeeville jumped on the opportunity, which allowed it to get competitive pricing for the tower’s makeover.

“The funds came from the local hospitality funds that are considered a tourism-related item,” finance director Chanel Lewis said. “They did not come from the general fund. One of the guidelines is you can use it to promote local tourism.”

The process involved removing the old logo, scaling the tower, confirming colors with city staff, sketching out the new design and filling it in. Utility Service Group worked for two weeks and finished the job before July 4.

The process for getting the water tower painted started in mid-May, downtown development manager Chris Damgen said.

“The water and sewer authority own the tank, so we made the request to them,” Damgen said. “They helped facilitate that for us and up it went.”

So far, Damgen said, the comments the city has received about the its branding effort have been positive.

“We’ve received comments about how the new watermark is far more legible than what it was beforehand,” Damgen said. “The lettering is a lot easier to see from a car on the interstate and the exits. People are also excited about where we’re going next with the branding.”

Damgen said the city is implementing an aggressive strategy to keep residents excited. The brand was proposed in April by Arnett Muldrow & Associates after a three-day workshop.

Damgen said city limit signs, uniforms for staff (specifically the fire department), new vehicles and other signage are the next items on the agenda.

“I want the people that have invested their time and energy to help identify the new brand for Hardeeville to know that their work and time is paying off,” said Ready. “I’d just like to bring attention and gratitude to the people that made this happen. I’m glad they’re getting to see the results of their dedication.”